Business Card, Poster, Flyer or Postcard? A Guide to Your Print Job
Printing something for your business, event, or personal project is exciting, but if you’re not familiar with the process, it’s easy to run into delays. Knowing what to bring, which file type to use, and how long it will take makes the whole experience faster and smoother.
At Blue Bird Pack & Ship in Denver, we help customers print everything from business cards to event posters. Here’s a guide to getting your next print job right the first time.
Is Printing Really Worth It in 2025?
It seems like everyone has simply gone to using websites and other digital assets. Even digital business cards are huge.
But, any time you meet someone face-to-face, it’s nice (and impressive) to hand them a business card. If you’re hosting an event, flyers and posters are among the best ways to get the word out.
Why? It’s simple really: If everyone else is using digital assets, mostly because they’re cheap or free, you will stand out by printing things.
When you open your phone, you don’t see the business card of the person you just met. However, when you empty your pockets at the end of the day, their business card is right there in your hand. That tactile memory is almost guaranteed to be more memorable than the passing of their phone over yours.
Is Printing Expensive?
No. Printing most standard size business items is not expensive.
Two hundred fifty business cards can be had for less than the cost of dinner for one. One thousand flyers can usually be purchased for less than the cost of dinner for two.
The reality is that as long as you choose standard sizes, printers can use the blanks they have in stock.Since they can buy those paper blanks in massive quantities, they purchase the most expensive part of printing for much less.
Do I Need to Know What Design I Want?
Not necessarily. If you know what you want or just have a bit of an idea, our designer can work with that.
If you have no idea at all, the designer will ask the right questions, show you some examples and help you find the perfect design for your needs.
The entire reason for choosing a full-service printing company is to ensure that every step, from the design to the printing to the delivery, is handled flawlessly.
What Design File Formats Work Best?
The file format you bring can make or break your print job.
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Best formats: PDF, EPS, AI (Adobe Illustrator), or high-resolution JPEG/PNG.
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Make sure the file is at 300 DPI (dots per inch) for crisp printing.
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Avoid low-resolution images pulled from websites; they’ll look blurry when printed.
If you’re not sure whether your file is ready, Blue Bird Pack & Ship can check it before printing so you don’t waste time or money.
Should I Choose Glossy, Matte, or Recycled? Material Matters
The paper or card stock you choose changes the look and feel of your print piece.
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Glossy: Sharp, vibrant colors; good for photographs and bold designs.
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Matte: Softer finish; easier to write on; less glare under lights.
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Recycled: Eco-friendly option; can have a natural, textured look.
Material choice also affects cost and turnaround time. At Blue Bird Pack & Ship, we can show you samples so you know exactly what to expect.
How Many Printed Items to Order?
Ordering too few means you’ll be back at the printer sooner than you’d like. Ordering too many can leave you with outdated stock.
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For business cards, 250–500 is a common starter batch.
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For flyers and postcards, think about your distribution plan: how many people will actually see them?
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Posters often make sense in small runs unless you’re doing a large campaign.
Blue Bird Pack & Ship can help you figure out the right quantity so you get value without waste.
What’s a Bleed and Why Does It Matter?
A bleed is the extra margin around your design that gets trimmed off after printing.
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Standard bleed is usually 1/8 inch on all sides.
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It prevents thin white borders if the cut is slightly off.
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Designs with full-color backgrounds or images should always include a bleed.
According to industry printing guidelines, bleed setup is one of the top issues that delay print jobs. We can fix files before printing so your final product looks exactly how you imagined.
Printing Timeline: What’s Fast, What’s Not?
Turnaround times depend on the complexity of your job.
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Simple reprints with ready files can be done same-day or next-day.
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Large runs, specialty materials, or custom finishing (like embossing) may take several days.
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Rush jobs are possible, but they may come with an extra cost.
Blue Bird Pack & Ship offers clear timelines up front so you can plan your pickup around your schedule.
Are Printing Design Services Offered at an Hourly Rate?
Yes. If you have the ideas but not the design skills, professional help can save you time.
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We offer design services by the hour. You provide the concept, and our designer brings it to life.
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This ensures your files meet print standards and look polished.
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You get print-ready files you can use again in the future.
Many customers find this step pays for itself by avoiding reprints and delays.
Quick Printing Facts
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The average business card exchange can increase the chance of a follow-up meeting by 25 percent, according to marketing studies.
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Flyers and postcards still outperform some digital ads for local marketing, especially for events.
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Printing on recycled paper uses about 60 percent less energy than printing on new paper, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
Final Checklist for Your Print Job
- Make sure your file is the right format and resolution.
- Decide on paper type: glossy, matte, or recycled.
- Order enough for your needs without overstocking.
- Include a bleed if your design runs to the edge.
- Confirm the timeline before placing your order.
- Consider professional design help if you’re unsure about your layout.
Printing Made Easy in Denver
Whether you’re printing business cards, flyers, posters, or postcards, a little preparation makes the process smooth. Blue Bird Pack & Ship can check your files, recommend materials, and even design your project for you. Stop in today, and we’ll make sure your print job is ready to impress.